Underdog Dott defeated Celtic supporter John Higgins 13-10 but admitted, "I'm not really in the same league."

Dott has been second best in all but one of their previous meetings, so victory was particularly sweet for the Larkhall-based professional.

Higgins, world champion six years ago, briefly threatened to pull off a great escape as he won three successive frames from 12-7 down.

But Dott produced a superb 62 break in frame 23 to set up a meeting with another surprise first-time Sheffield quarter-finalist David Gray.

"I know I can beat any player in the world but I need a little bit of help," said the world No 13 after avenging last season's 13-2 defeat at the same stage of the tournament.

"I couldn't play to that standard John produced last year, probably even in practice. That's the worst I've seen John play. But to be honest, I needed him not to be on top form to beat him."

Ian McCulloch won his battle of the big Macs and is now relishing his quarter-final with Stephen Hendry.

The Preston potter served up a 13-6 victory over Alan McManus to reach the last eight at Sheffield for the first time in his career.

"If you have aspirations of winning the tournament then you have got to beat the top players," said the 32-year-old Lancastrian, who has resumed the final session 11-5 in front. "But they don't come much tougher than Hendry."

McCulloch's place in the last eight was rarely in doubt after taking all but one of the first eight frames on Sunday.

"The match is only there to be lost at that stage," said McCulloch, who knocked out 2002 champion and Irish Masters title holder Peter Ebdon in the last 32. "I knew Alan would be pulling my eyes out to get back into the match today. So, it was massive for me to come out 4-4 after the second session.

"I've played two similar players in Peter and Alan. But it will be a different style against Stephen."